Utah House passes liquor law changes

Contributed

SALT LAKE CITY-- Revenues from Utah's profitable liquor business will be collected by the Tax Commission under a bill that has passed the House.

Republican Rep. Ryan Wilcox of Ogden says focusing on profits distracted managers of the state's liquor agency from its primary purpose, which is controlling distribution of alcohol in the state.

Wilcox says through House Bill 354 money from the 86 percent mark-up on liquor, beer and wine will be deposited directly into the state's general fund. Profits are currently collected by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

Wilcox says the bill also funds a study of teen drinking, drunk driving and overconsumption rates in the state to help better guide liquor policy.

The bill is moving to the Senate after passing the House 68-3 on Thursday.